MANNY JACINTO [THE GOOD PLACE]

INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL DARLING

Since 2016, Manny Jacinto has been delighting TV viewers as The Good Place’s Jason Mendoza, the living embodiment of the “Florida Man” meme. Now with The Good Place winding down, we caught up with JACINTO to discuss where he’s come from, what’s next and ironically, why we should live in the moment rather than focusing on what’s come before and what’s next.

With The Good Place wrapping up, what have been some of your favorite memories from the show?
MJ: I always love getting to act alongside Eugene Cordero, who does such a great job as Pillboi, the producers always joke there should be a Pillboi/Jason spin-off. Recently just getting to act with him and Mitch Narito, who plays Donkey Doug, was manic. We were able to riff off each other and it was one of the best times I’ve had on set.

MAGAZINE LAYOUT: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, STYLING: ROBIAT BALOGUN, GROOMING: RENEE NAPOLITANO, LOCATION PRODUCER: BRI MARANGA, LOCATION: THE CULVER HOTEL

What other kind of roles would you like to play in the future?
MJ: At this point, I’m open to anything that really challenges me. I’ve had a lot of fun with Jason playing the innocent dummy sweetheart. I like to stretch my muscles a bit, before The Good Place, it was all drama, like dark, deep seeded roles. I’d love to go back to that, or I’d love to do a rom-com, really anything or everything that isn’t Jason. I remember watching Sneaky Pete on Amazon about a con artist and I’d love to play a role like that. Some kind of scheming dude who’s over his head.

For more from Manny'’s interview, make sure to grab a copy of his issue as a portion of the proceeds from his book will be going to The British Colombia Children’s Hospital.

What’s a charity that’s important to you?
MJ: The British Columbia Children’s Hospital. I have friends and close loved ones who have benefitted from their medical care. It’s one that hits close to home.

GET MANNY'S PRINT BOOK HERE

See Manny as the lovable, Jason Mendoza one last time in the final season of The Good Place.